Age verification is just a precursor to automated attribution of speech (nonogra.ph)

Article summary

The article argues that age verification regulations are a precursor to attributing speech to real identities, allowing governments to track and potentially prosecute individuals for their online activities. The author claims that this is a threat to freedom of speech and privacy. The regulations are presented as a way to protect children, but the author believes they are actually a means for governments to gain more control over citizens. The author advises against verifying age or identity online and suggests using alternative methods to maintain anonymity.

Main themes

• Age verification
• Freedom of speech
• Online privacy
• Government surveillance
• Identity attribution
• Censorship

What commenters say

• Age verification laws are a threat to freedom of speech and privacy, and could lead to prosecution for online activities.
• The government's goal is to attribute speech to real identities, allowing for easier tracking and control of citizens.
• Engaging with the democratic process, such as calling representatives or attending city council meetings, is a more effective way to bring about change than relying on cryptography or anonymity.
• The use of encryption and anonymity online is a necessary measure to protect against government surveillance and censorship.
• The democratic process is flawed and often ignores the concerns of citizens, making it difficult to effect change through traditional means.
• Punishing companies for data breaches is a more effective way to protect online privacy than relying on encryption or other technical solutions.
• The use of surveillance technology by governments and corporations is a violation of citizens' rights and must be regulated.
• The only way to preserve values such as freedom of speech and privacy is through a combination of legal and technical solutions.